i called on the 17th and they said that it had shipped and they'd have it today (18th). i might head over in a bit, since it still isnt available for download. walmart should have it tomorrow. walmart also has a free 5$ gift card offer online, but i'm not sure about in-store.
Woohoo, walked into the gamestop near my house, hooked up with an employee that used to work for my wife, he actually had like 10 copies on the shelf.
Got mine, loading it up and will be creature creating!
Good luck all.